Cruise ships docked at a pier in Cozumel beside turquoise Caribbean water

15 Restaurants in Cozumel Cruise Port Areas, Pier by Pier

by CaribbeanCruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsDestinationsFood and drink

The best restaurants in Cozumel cruise port areas depend on which pier your ship uses. At Puerta Maya and the International Pier you can walk to casual, cruise-friendly spots such as Three Amigos, Pancho’s Backyard, Margaritaville and Señor Frog’s within minutes. From Punta Langosta you can walk into downtown San Miguel, where the island’s more local and more varied places to eat are clustered.

This guide groups 15 restaurants by pier, with rough walking or taxi distances. Every place listed showed an active Google Maps listing in late 2026 and was cross-checked against at least one other source. Opening hours change, though, so check the restaurant’s latest listing on the morning of your port day.

Which Cozumel cruise pier will you dock at?

Cozumel has three cruise piers on the island’s west coast. Your cruise line usually decides which one you get, and your ship’s daily planner will confirm it.

  • Puerta Maya: the southernmost pier, used mainly by Carnival Corporation brands. It has its own shopping and dining complex at the foot of the pier.
  • International Pier (SSA Mexico): just north of Puerta Maya along the coast road. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity ships often dock here. Puerta Maya and the International Pier are separate terminals, and you can’t walk directly between them inside the port areas.
  • Punta Langosta: at the southern edge of downtown San Miguel, used by lines such as Disney and MSC. It’s the pier closest to the town’s restaurants.

If you’ve read about a fourth cruise pier: Mexico’s environment ministry (Semarnat) denied SSA Mexico’s latest application for it in April 2026, citing risks to the Villa Blanca reef system. For now, Cozumel still has three cruise piers.

Restaurants near the Cozumel cruise port: distances at a glance

The distances below are approximate, measured on the map from the pier entrance. Allow longer in the heat.

Restaurant Nearest pier Food How to get there
Three Amigos Puerta Maya Tex-Mex, bar food Walk, inside the pier complex
Pancho’s Backyard (Puerta Maya) Puerta Maya Mexican Walk, at the pier
Alberto’s Puerta Maya Puerta Maya Seafood Walk, a few minutes
Chi Asian Cuisine Puerta Maya Asian Walk, just outside the port
Margaritaville Cozumel International (SSA) American, bar food Walk, at the pier
Señor Frog’s International and Punta Langosta Mexican party food Walk from either pier
Ix Kool International (SSA) Mayan, Yucatecan Walk, across the road
La Mission Punta Langosta Mexican grill Walk, roughly 10 to 15 minutes
El Foco Punta Langosta Tacos Walk, roughly 10 minutes
La Choza Punta Langosta Yucatecan, Mexican Walk, roughly 15 minutes
Pancho’s Backyard (downtown) Punta Langosta Mexican Walk, roughly 20 minutes, or a short taxi
Guido’s Punta Langosta Italian, seafood Walk, roughly 20 minutes, or a short taxi
Bajau Steakhouse & Seafood Grill Punta Langosta Steak, seafood Walk, roughly 20 minutes, or a short taxi
Fuego Punta Langosta Mexican-Caribbean fusion Walk, roughly 20 minutes, or a short taxi
Casa Mission Punta Langosta Mexican, hacienda setting Taxi recommended

From Puerta Maya or the International Pier, downtown San Miguel is roughly 4 to 5 km (about 2.5 to 3 miles) away. That’s a taxi ride of around 10 to 15 minutes, not a sensible walk in the midday heat.

Restaurants at Puerta Maya

Puerta Maya’s pier-side complex is built for cruise passengers. Prices are usually higher than in town, but you’re never more than a few minutes from the gangway, which suits a short port call.

1. Three Amigos

A lively open-air bar and grill inside Puerta Maya serving Tex-Mex staples such as tacos, quesadillas, burritos and nachos, along with burgers, wings and frozen drinks. Listings show daytime hours that follow the ship schedule, and some show it closed on Sundays.

2. Pancho’s Backyard (Puerta Maya)

Pancho’s Backyard is a long-running downtown favourite known for Mexican classics and margaritas, and it now has a second location at the Puerta Maya pier. According to its website, you don’t need a reservation at the pier branch, but you do downtown. Choose this one if you want proper Mexican cooking without leaving the port.

3. Alberto’s Puerta Maya

A seafood-focused restaurant in the Puerta Maya area, worth trying for ceviche, fish tacos or grilled shrimp.

4. Chi Asian Cuisine

If you’ve had enough tacos, Chi serves Asian dishes in the small Plaza i95 shopping strip just outside Puerta Maya on the coast road.

Plate of Mexican tacos with lime and salsa on a restaurant table near the sea
Tacos and fresh salsa are on almost every menu near Cozumel's cruise piers. Photo: ROMAN ODINTSOV on Pexels

Restaurants at the International Pier (SSA)

The International Pier sits just north of Puerta Maya. Its own bars and restaurants are on the waterfront, and a strip of smaller local places runs along the coast road across from the terminal.

5. Margaritaville Cozumel

Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville sits right by the pier with views of the ships and the channel. The menu is mostly American bar food, including burgers, wings and fish tacos, plus the frozen drinks the brand is known for. Convenient, but not local cooking.

6. Señor Frog’s (two locations)

Señor Frog’s runs two Cozumel restaurants. One is at the International SSA pier and the other is at Punta Langosta on Avenida Rafael Melgar. Both serve Mexican party food such as nachos, quesabirria tacos, carne asada and burritos, with loud music and yard-glass drinks. It’s best for groups who want a party. Look elsewhere if you’d like a quiet lunch.

7. Ix Kool

Ix Kool is across the road from the International Pier in the Royal Village Shopping Center. It focuses on Mayan and Yucatecan cuisine and is one of the best-reviewed places on this stretch. Try regional dishes such as cochinita pibil (slow-cooked achiote pork) and sopa de lima. It’s usually cheaper and more local than the pier-side bars.

Cozumel restaurants downtown, near Punta Langosta

If your ship docks at Punta Langosta, or you take a taxi into town from the southern piers, downtown San Miguel has the island’s widest choice of restaurants. Most are on or near the waterfront Avenida Rafael Melgar and Avenida 5 (La Quinta), a few blocks inland.

8. La Mission

A busy Mexican grill on Calle Rosado Salas between the waterfront and Avenida 5, an easy walk from Punta Langosta. Fajitas and grilled seafood are the mainstays. Its sister restaurant Casa Mission is further inland (see below).

9. El Foco

A no-frills taquería on Avenida 5 between Calles 5 and 7, popular for tacos al pastor and grilled meats. Fodor’s notes that it doesn’t take reservations and is closed on Wednesdays.

10. La Choza

A downtown institution on Avenida 10 Sur serving Mexican and Yucatecan home-style dishes. It has a strong following for breakfast and a set lunch menu, which suits a daytime port call.

11. Pancho’s Backyard (downtown)

The original Pancho’s is set in a leafy courtyard behind a folk-art shop on Avenida Rafael Melgar at Calle 8. Its menu covers Mexican dishes with vegetarian options, and the restaurant lists reservations as required at this location. It’s a good pick if you want a relaxed, sit-down lunch away from the pier crowds.

12. Guido’s

Guido’s has been on the waterfront at Avenida Rafael Melgar for decades. It’s known for wood-fired pizza, pasta and fresh fish served in a shaded courtyard. It’s best known as a dinner spot, so check its current hours if you’re planning a daytime visit.

13. Bajau Steakhouse & Seafood Grill

A few doors from Guido’s on Avenida Rafael Melgar, Bajau serves steaks and seafood and has strong recent reviews. It’s one of the more upscale choices you can walk to from downtown. Check its hours before you go, as many restaurants on this stretch are geared toward evening service.

14. Fuego

Fuego is on Avenida Rafael Melgar between Calles 2 and 4, near the ferry terminal. Its menu is international fusion with Mexican-Caribbean influences, and the restaurant’s website says it operates as a kosher restaurant, which is rare on the island. Its website lists hours from 11:00 Sunday to Thursday and a shorter day on Friday, so check before you go.

15. Casa Mission

Casa Mission is on Avenida Benito Juárez, about 1 km inland from the main square, so take a taxi. It serves Mexican grill dishes in a hacienda-style garden setting. It’s a good choice if you want a leisurely meal and have plenty of time before all aboard.

Mexican peso banknotes and coins on a cafe table ready to pay a bill
Carrying small bills and some pesos makes paying in Cozumel easier. Photo: Sebastian PH on Pexels

Tips for eating out in Cozumel on a cruise

Pesos or US dollars?

US dollars are widely accepted near the piers, and most tourist restaurants take cards. Downtown you’ll often get a better deal paying in pesos, because the exchange rate a restaurant applies to dollars is rarely in your favour. Carry small bills, as change is usually given in pesos. Check whether your card charges foreign transaction fees.

Tipping

Tipping is customary in Mexico, and 10 to 15 percent of the bill is the usual range for table service. Check the bill first, because some tourist restaurants add a service charge (“servicio”) automatically.

Taxis

Cozumel taxis use fixed fares, posted at the taxi stands by each pier, rather than meters. Fares depend on your destination and the number of passengers. Confirm the price before you get in, and photograph the fare board if you’d like a reference. Some ships also arrange shuttles into town, so check your daily planner.

Watch the all-aboard time

Plan to be back at the pier at least 30 to 45 minutes before all aboard, and allow extra time if you’re coming from downtown to Puerta Maya or the International Pier. Lunchtime service can be slow when several ships are in port, so ask for the bill early. Set your watch to ship time, which may differ from local time.

Food and water safety

Drink bottled or purified water. Restaurants that cater to visitors generally use purified water and ice, but ask if you’re unsure. Busy places with high turnover are usually the safest bet for street-style food. If you have a sensitive stomach, keep raw seafood and salads to restaurants with strong recent reviews.

Eating on the ship or ashore?

If your cruise line’s food is a highlight of your trip (see our guide to the cruise lines with the best food), you might keep it to a light lunch ashore. Even so, a plate of cochinita pibil or fresh ceviche in Cozumel is hard to replicate on board. For ideas on filling the rest of your day, from beaches to snorkelling, see our list of the best things to do in Cozumel cruise port.

Cozumel is just one stop, so see our full guide to cruise ports in Mexico on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts.

FAQs

Can you walk from the Cozumel cruise port to restaurants downtown?

From Punta Langosta, yes. Downtown San Miguel starts right outside the pier, and most restaurants in this guide are 10 to 20 minutes’ walk away. From Puerta Maya or the International Pier, downtown is roughly 4 to 5 km away, so take a taxi or eat at the restaurants by the pier.

What are the best restaurants in Cozumel near the cruise port?

For the closest options, try Three Amigos and Pancho’s Backyard at Puerta Maya, or Margaritaville, Señor Frog’s and Ix Kool at the International Pier. For more local food, head downtown to places like La Choza, El Foco, Guido’s or the original Pancho’s Backyard.

Do restaurants in Cozumel accept US dollars?

Most restaurants near the piers and downtown accept US dollars and major cards. Paying in pesos is often cheaper, and change is usually given in pesos, so bring small bills.

Is it safe to eat in Cozumel on a cruise?

Generally yes, at established restaurants. Drink bottled or purified water, choose busy places with good recent reviews, and take extra care with raw seafood if you have a sensitive stomach.

What is there to do in Cozumel cruise port besides eating?

Snorkelling, beach clubs, Chankanaab park, Mayan ruins at San Gervasio and shopping in San Miguel are all popular. Our guide to the best things to do in Cozumel cruise port covers them in detail.

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How You Can Unlock The Benefits

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsHolland America LineMoney saving tips

Thinking about buying shares in Holland America Line to get shareholder benefits? There’s just one catch – you can’t. But that’s actually great news.

Holland America is part of the Carnival Corporation, the world’s biggest cruise company. So when you invest, you’re not just backing one cruise line – you’re opening the door to perks across multiple brands, including Carnival, P&O, Cunard and, yes, Holland America too.

Holland America Line ship

Here’s how it works and exactly what you’ll get.

Shares and Benefits

As long as you have bought 100 shares of the Carnival Corporation or more, you’re entitled to claim the shareholder benefits on your next Holland America cruise. Those benefits are:

  • $250 or £150 of onboard credit per stateroom on cruises of 14 days or longer
  • $100 or £60 of onboard credit per stateroom on cruises of 7 to 13 days
  • $50 or £30 of onboard credit per stateroom on cruises of 6 days or fewer

It is only a benefit that applies per stateroom, so if both you and your partner decided to invest in the Carnival Corporation and you both had 100 shares separately, you couldn’t claim the benefit twice.

Holland America Line Stateroom

There are some other conditions that you need to be aware of as well. You can’t claim this benefit if you’re employed by the company, and it can’t be used in conjunction with any other shipboard offer for onboard credit.

Plus, there are a couple of things you can’t spend it on – namely, gratuities that have been added to your account or at the casino.

But the good news is that you can claim an onboard spend benefit on every single cruise you take – it’s not just the first cruise after you become a shareholder.

Also, the benefit applies to all cruise lines in the Carnival Corporation, although the value is different based on the currency on board.

The onboard credit you get is given to you in US dollars on sailings from the US with the following cruise lines:

  • Carnival
  • Cunard Line
  • Costa
  • Princess Cruises
  • Seabourn

You get the same sort of benefit on UK cruises with Cunard, P&O Cruises and any British cruises with Princess Cruises, but the values are in GBP and are £150, £60 and £30, respectively.

Cruises booked in Australia on P&O Cruises Australia, Carnival or Princess Cruises entitle you to the same number of Australian dollars as US dollars on American sailings. If you’re on a Costa or AIDA cruise in Europe that uses Euros as the onboard currency, the values are €200, €75 or €40.

Cruise Line 14+ Days 7-13 Days Up to 6 Days
US Cruise Lines $250 $100 $50
UK Cruise Line £150 £60 £30
Australian Cruise Lines $250 $100 $50
European Cruise Lines €200 €75 €40
Since I mentioned the benefits of buying Carnival shares in my weekly email, I’ve had lots of people email me to say that they’ve also bought shares and are happy to receive the free onboard credit. Like this one…

“We took your advice and bought 100 Carnival shares which cost £550. Two Cunard trips gave us £250 each extra onboard spend and another gave us $200 (£175) total £675, also the shares have gone up £175. Best investment I’ve ever made, thankyou, keep up the good work.”

Robert and Veronica Dennehy

Of course, the Holland America share price (well, the Carnival share price) can go down as well as up, so remember it’s always a risk you’re taking.

How To Buy Carnival Shares

To buy shares in any company, you’ll typically need to use a stockbroker. This can be either a human being or an online platform. There are various fees involved with this, but an online platform is usually the cheapest and easiest way.

I can’t advise you which is the best, but I personally chose to buy my Carnival shares through an investing platform called eToro. I chose this one because it is one of the most popular platforms with 20 million registered users and has great reviews and low fees.

I’ve been very happy with my share-buying experience and found it really easy to do.

(eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.)

Read more: Should You Invest In Carnival Corp?

Cruise mummy with Holland America Ship

How to Claim Carnival Shareholder Benefits On Holland America Cruises

To claim your shareholder benefits on a Holland America cruise that you’ve booked, you need to ask for them. They aren’t automatic! But the Holland America shares benefits are worth claiming each time – it’s free money on your cruise.

You need to make your claim at least four weeks before you are due to sail, but the sooner the better. And you’ll need to provide:

  • Your legal name
  • Your booking number
  • Your ship and sailing date
  • Proof of your stock ownership

You won’t be able to claim if you miss your deadline, so try to be organised to provide this information as early as possible. And you have to go through this process every time you book a cruise with Holland America or any other cruise line in the group, so don’t forget on each new sailing.

Important – Whereas Holland America used to let you claim the credit via fax and then later email, now it’s all handled via an app called Stockperks.

You’ll need to download the app to your smartphone, then verify the stock you own by taking a photo of the key details.

Here’s a video showing you how the Stockperks app works:

You can get all the details you need from the shareholder platform you use – so eToro for me.

To Conclude

It’s really important to be clear that, any time you buy stocks or shares in a company, you’re taking a risk. The cruise industry is the same – just look at the global shutdown in 2020, and the effect that had on cruise line share prices, and you’ll see what I mean. There’s no guarantee that your money will be safe.

However, with that warning given, you might still want to invest in something, and a cruise company could be a great idea if you love cruising. Choosing Carnival Corporation shares also gets you the benefits with Holland America cruises and all other cruise lines in that company.

A person is seated at a desk, working on financial planning. They are writing in a notebook with a pen while using a calculator. The desk is scattered with coins, a pink piggy bank, dollar bills, and financial documents, all suggesting a focus on saving money and budgeting. The scene reflects a careful and organized approach to managing personal finances.

I’m no stockbroker or financial advisor, so I can’t tell you that it IS a good idea, but it might be. You have to use your own judgement or seek professional advice. And if you do buy 100 shares or more, your next Holland America cruise will have some free spends to enjoy – if you claim them.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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15 Buffet Etiquette Tips Every Cruiser Needs To Know

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsFood and drink

Buffets at sea are legendary – piles of food, endless choice, and zero judgment when you go back for thirds.

Cruise Buffet

But that freedom also means chaos if people forget their manners. And cruise buffets, as glorious as they are, aren’t a lawless land.

So here’s a refresher on how to enjoy the feast without being that person…

1. Wash Your Hands – Yes, Every Time

Before you even think about grabbing a plate, hit the sink or sanitizer station.

An automated hand washing station on a Costa cruise ship, featuring motion-activated soap dispensers and sinks, encourages hygiene with a convenient and contactless method, set against a backdrop of warm wood paneling.

We get it – you’re excited for pancakes. But a cruise ship can become a petri dish if you’re not careful- and skipping the soap is the fastest way to spread nasties like norovirus.

Keep yourself and everyone else healthy by scrubbing up like you mean it. It’s not optional, it’s hygiene 101.

2. Follow the Flow – Don’t Go Against the Grain

Buffets are set up like a one-way street for a reason.

A guest at a cruise ship buffet under the 'Family & Kids' sign, serving themselves from a variety of dishes. The buffet area is clean and well-organized, featuring a selection of fruits and warm foods, with a crew member in attendance.

The layout is designed to keep people moving, not weaving around like it’s a bumper car ride.

Going backwards, darting sideways, or cutting across stations just slows things down and irritates everyone else. Take a lap, figure out what you want, and stick to the path. Simple.

The only time I’d say different is if you’re just nipping back in for one specific thing, and you can see a gap. That’s OK. But don’t be darting in and out at different sections, bobbing and weaving like some kind of hungry boxer.

3. Don’t Hog a Giant Table If You’re Flying Solo

We’ve all seen it – one person sipping coffee at a six-seater table like they own the place.

Windjammer buffet tables

If it’s busy, and you’re a party of one or two, try not to claim the largest table in the venue just because it’s got a nice view.

Especially if your friends “might join later” but actually won’t show up for another hour. Buffets get crowded. Be fair. Share the space.

4. Keep a Close Eye on the Kiddos

Buffets are a sensory playground for kids – shiny trays, unlimited desserts and grab-friendly finger foods. But they need supervision.

Kids in the buffet restaurant

That means helping them through the line, making sure they don’t grab food with their hands, and making sure they don’t get so excited that they atart running!

It keeps everyone safer and avoids dangerous collisions with people carrying hot soup.

5. Use the Serving Utensils – No Hands, Ever

This one should be obvious, but you’d be surprised.

Bread in a buffet

Always use the provided tongs, spoons, or ladles. Don’t touch anything with your fingers, even if it’s “just a roll.”

It’s not your kitchen, it’s a shared space. Touching food with bare hands, even for a second, is a fast-track to spreading germs – and grossing everyone else out.

6. Don’t Mix Up the Tongs

Every set of tongs or utensils is there for a reason.

Using the same pair on multiple dishes might seem harmless, but it’s a nightmare for people with allergies, intolerances or dietary restrictions.

Kids Corner Buffet

Think about the vegetarian behind you before you use the bacon tongs for the eggs. Just… don’t.

7. Be Sensible With Portions

Yes, you’re technically allowed to take 12 slices of French toast. But should you? Probably not.

Vegan buffet food

Cruise buffets are generous, and food will be replenished. Take a little of what you want, try it, and come back if you love it.

Overloading your plate just to scrape half of it into the bin is wasteful – and honestly, a little rude.

8. Grab a New Plate Each Time

Going back for seconds (or thirds) is part of the buffet charm – just do it with a clean plate.

Asian buffet food

Reusing your dirty dish might seem like you’re saving effort or being eco-conscious, but it risks transferring germs to the buffet line.

Fresh plate, fresh start. The same goes for your glass.

9. No Sampling While You Wait

We know the temptation is real – especially if something smells amazing.

Buffet on Celestyal

But snacking before you’ve even reached your table isn’t a good look.

For hygiene reasons (and basic manners), wait until you’re seated before digging in. You’re not at a supermarket tasting booth – you’re at a shared buffet.

10. Queue Like a Civilised Human

Patience is a virtue, especially in a buffet line.

Indian buffet

If someone’s taking forever deciding between scrambled eggs or an omelette, just wait your turn.

Or if you really need to reach something quickly, ask politely – don’t just barge through. A little courtesy makes the whole experience smoother for everyone.

11. Don’t Hang Around After Closing Time

Cruise buffets tend to stay open a long time – most of the day, in fact. But if the food is being removed, and staff are wiping things down, that’s your sign: it’s over.

Carnival Lido Marketplace empty

Hovering while the buffet is being packed up is awkward for everyone – especially the crew, who want to reset for the next meal. Respect their schedule. There will be another buffet. Always.

12. Skip the Buffet If You’re Feeling Unwell

If your stomach’s off, you’re coughing, or you’re just not feeling right, stay in your cabin – or at the very least, skip the communal dining.

A sick lady onboard wearing a black face mask while rubbing her achy head

Most ships have room service or alternate dining options that don’t involve touching the same serving spoons as 500 other people.

You’ll recover faster, and you’ll keep everyone else safe.

13. Speak Up About Dietary Needs

Most cruise buffets do a decent job labelling allergens and offering options for various diets, but they’re not mind-readers.

Food allergy labels

If you’re unsure whether something is gluten-free, low sodium, or nut-safe, just ask.

Staff are trained for this and will usually go out of their way to help – but only if you speak up.

14. Don’t Treat It Like a Game Show

This isn’t a timed challenge or an all-you-can-grab supermarket dash.

Grumpy man overloading buffet plate

You’re allowed to go back. You’re encouraged to try new things. So slow down. Breathe.

You don’t need a bit of everything on your plate all at once. (And no, you don’t need three bread rolls – they’ll still be there in ten minutes.)

15. Don’t Rock Up In Swimwear or a Robe

Swimwear, your PJs or bathrobes don’t belong in the buffet.

Middle aged man on a cruise in swimwear in the buffet

I know it can be tempting to just pop in for a quick snack while you’re by the pool, or you just aren’t feeling that desire to get properly ready before breakfast. But that doesn’t mean you get to flaunt the rules on dress code.

You need to be dressed in actual clothes for a reason – it’s more hygienic than having your bits almost hanging out.

Plus, it’s basic respect for others to be a little bit presentable. Some cover-ups are fine, it doesn’t have to be your Sunday best. But you’re not in your own home – you’re in a restaurant, even if it’s a casual one. Dress like it.

Final Word

I know it’s a long list of ‘rules’ to follow but, really, are they any more than just common sense?

Unfortunately I know that a lot of cruisers don’t seem to follow all of these rules, and it can be quite frustrating for others.

So, make sure you stick to these. Be hygienic, be respectful, and you’ll have no trouble enjoying as much food as you want.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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At What Age Should Kids Explore Cruise Ships Alone? Parents Weigh In…

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsKids

There are some wildly different opinions on the appropriate age to let your kids roam around a cruise ship on their own.

It’s already a sensitive subject when you’re at home and you’re thinking about what age you’ll let them walk to the park or the shop without supervision. Add in some of the risks of a cruise ship? The debate can get feisty, fast.

Cruise Mummy and Kids

There’s plenty of wild opinions here, so buckle in…

Cruise Line Rules

Before we get into the whole mess of what some cruisers have to say on the subject, let’s start with the cruise lines’ rules on kids onboard.

You aren’t going to see any rules on the ages that kids can walk around a ship unoccupied, because it’s not exactly an easy thing for them to monitor.

A child could be going to the bar for a drink while the parents are watching from a few feet away, they could have freedom to roam the whole ship, and it’s hard to tell as an onlooker.

Child in the swimming pool

Of course, if a crew member sees an unattended toddler, they’re probably not just going to ignore them…

But with kids aged seven and up, crew are unlikely to ask where their parents are unless the kids are causing trouble.

What we do know is the age at which cruise lines allow kids to sign themselves in and out of the kids’ clubs onboard…

Two children pose happily with certificates in front of a large LEGO sailor statue at an MSC Cruise Kids' Club. The boy on the left holds colorful streamers and a "Congratulations" certificate, while the girl on the right, wearing a Minnie Mouse hoodie and a face mask, holds a similar certificate and streamers. The background features bright colors and playful decorations, enhancing the fun atmosphere.

That’s a good guideline to use on the ages that cruise lines are happy with children having some level of independence. Here’s a summary of those rules for the main family-friendly cruise lines:

Cruise Line Kids’ Club Sign-Out Age (No Prior Permission) Kids’ Club Sign-Out Age (Parent Approval)
A-ROSA No age limit No age limit
Carnival 12+ years old 9+ years old
Celebrity Cruises 10+ years old 10+ years old
Disney Cruise Line 11+ years old 8-10 years old
Marella Cruises 12+ years old 12+ years old
MSC Cruises 12+ years old 7+ years old
Norwegian Cruise Line 13+ years old 10+ years old
P&O Cruises 13+ years old 13+ years old
Princess Cruises 13+ years old 8+ years old
Royal Caribbean 12+ years old 9+ years old

On the majority of family-friendly cruise lines, the kids’ clubs are split into different age groups, and they’ll usually have their own dedicated spaces with age-appropriate facilities and entertainment.

Read more: Cruise Kids’ Club Age Groupings Guide

And it’s those brackets that will typically play a part in the ages that kids can sign themselves out of the clubs independently. Usually once a child reaches 12/13 then they’re free to sign out as they please.

That’s because the teen clubs aren’t always staffed. Usually, crew members are there. But sometimes the teen club is just a room where teenagers can meet their friends with no supervision or organised activies.

Teens club room on Princess Cruise Line, featuring comfortable beige sofas, a ping pong table, and a large Connect Four game. The room includes a TV area with a modern entertainment setup and offers a relaxed space for teenagers to socialize and enjoy various activities.

There are cameras though, so if the teenagers start behaving inappropraitely then it won’t be long before the security team are on their way.

But then for the group one step down from that, a lot of cruise lines will let children sign out if they get parental permission first – usually part of the registration form you’ll fill in when you sign your child up for the club at the start of the cruise.

On some cruise lines that’s as young as 7 years old! But typically it’s 8 or 9 years old.

Suggested read: Cruise Kids Club Age Groupings Guide

What Parents Say

It’s tough to make the call on what the right age is to let your child explore alone – so I asked my Facebook fans what their thoughts were.

And if you browse the full list of comments on that post, you’ll see that opinions vary wildly!

1 in 3 parents wouldn’t let 17-year-olds explore alone

The majority of responses were actually those of people who wouldn’t let their children explore independently. Nearly 20% of respondents said that 18 would be a suitable age, and another 12.5% said 21. That’s a third of people who think children should never explore on their own!

When I was 17 I moved to live in another country without any adults for two months, so I find it pretty wild to think that some teenagers of that age wouldn’t be allowed out of their parent’s sight on a ship.

People had some VERY strong opinions on the matter:

"- " KID'S " Shouldn't Be Running Around a Cruise Ship EVER !!!! - Most Adults KNOW Where Their Kids Are .... Some Think THEIR Kids Are Responsible And Well Behaved , Some AREN'T !!!! - Been on 27 Cruises, Seen It ALL When it Comes to Cruise's .... Their ARE Many Dangerouse Posibilities Out There !!!! - Just Say'in !!!!! -"

A lot of people are worried about the various dangers of a cruise ship (more on those in a bit), but at the same time I’m surprised so many people would wait until their child was an adult.

There are a lot of people who seem to have negative opinions of children in general. Several said they shouldn’t be cruising at all, and some believed that child behaviour was an issue on ships:

"This one kills me, too many people believe their children behave better than they actually do. Most solo kids in the 12-15 range act like total A-holes as soon as they are away from their parents."

At the other end of the spectrum, quite a few parents suggested that 10 was a fine age.

People replying to Facebook saying that 10 is the acceptable age to let a child explore alone

There were hardly any other comments that suggested a younger age than that – beyond a few joke ones (I assume!) that said babies/toddlers were allowed to roam so that the parents could relax a bit!

Baby and todler on a cruise

I did laugh at this one – a clever way of keeping behaviour in check:

"10 and I had them thinking they were being watched. Funny this is I wasn’t watching them BUT some how would always see them making friends."

Of the parents who did allow children to explore on their own, 12-15 was the age range that most agreed with.

It seems like, to most people, that 12-13 age is the time when parents will consider it – and once they’re comfortable with the ship themselves, they will allow it:

"Ours were 13 in April and we did Iona to the fjords they loved going off and getting food, going to the cinema to play games etc. realistically when they are old enough to come back to a meeting place at a certain time as if no internet it’s hard ro find them again. As no contact x"

One important thing to consider is whether the ship makes it easier to keep tabs on your kids.

For this reason, Princess Cruises is a brilliant option. Everyone in your party is given a Medallion, and this does a lot of clever things – one of which is acting as a tracker.

Princess medallions
"Princess with the medallion maybe 13. Others maybe not til 15. But only for a period of time not like the entire trip."

You can use the Princess app on your phone to see where everyone in your travelling party is.

Medallion app on phone

If kids don’t have a phone, they can use the screens around the ship to find you. This relies on their map reading skills and ability to know which is the front of the ship and which is the back, so you’ll want to practice this a bit before you let them run free!

A lot of parents will feel more secure knowing that they’re able to get an idea of where their child is when they’re off exploring.

Read more: 21 Things You Need To Know About Princess Cruises’ Medallion

If you aren’t sailing with Princess Cruises, then signing everyone up for the WiFi package and using a messaging service like WhatsApp is the best way to keep an eye on them/stay in touch for emergencies.

Also some cruise lines such as NCL and Royal Caribbean have free chat functionality that you don’t need paid WiFi for – but be aware you won’t always get notifications when you’ve got a message. You usually need to manually check.

Read more: How to Text on a Cruise Ship for FREE!

Finally, I think this comment best sums it all up – there really isn’t one fixed age that should apply to everyone:

"I think it depents on how mature your child is. Some 12 years olds are more mature and sensible than 17 year olds for example. You know how responsible your child is. If it feels right then let them enjoy the freedom. Make planscto meet up at certain times"

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Safety Tips for Kids Onboard

There are some critical safety tips that you’ll want to go over with your kids before you do let them roam on their own. Here’s what you should consider.

1. No Climbing Balconies, Ever

Balconies on a cruise ship might look fun to explore, but they’re not safe for climbing. Make sure your child know never to climb on railings or stand on balcony furniture

Balcony door lock

This is a strict safety rule – balconies can be dangerous, and it’s important they understand the risks involved. A good time to reinforce the conversation around peer pressure too – if they have friends doing it, that doesn’t mean they should do it too.

2. Siblings Stick Together

If your child is travelling with siblings, remind them to stick together while exploring. There’s safety in numbers, and it’s easier to keep track of each other. Whether they’re heading to the pool or checking out the kids’ club, siblings can look out for each other and stay close.

siblings on a cruise

3. Make Sure They Know Their Cabin Number and Can Find It

It’s important that your child knows their cabin number and can easily find it if they get separated. Make sure they understand how to read the ship’s deck plans and point out landmarks near your cabin. If they feel lost or confused, they should know where to go for help.

4. No Trusting Strangers

Teach your child that while cruise staff are there to help, they should never go off with someone they don’t know – whether it’s another guest or a crew member not wearing a uniform. Remind them to be cautious of anyone offering something that feels too good to be true or trying to lure them away from public areas.

5. Being Careful Around Pools

The pool area can be a lot of fun, but it’s also where accidents can happen. Remind your child to always be careful around the water – whether it’s slipping on the wet floors or avoiding rough play.

Kids in the hot tub

6. Knowing How to Find Crew if They’re Stuck

Make sure your child knows who to approach if they need help. Cruise staff members wear uniforms and are there to assist. Teach your child how to identify a crew member and show them the key locations where they can find help – like the kids’ club or reception.

7. Know the Ship’s Muster Drill

Before your child starts exploring, make sure they know where the muster stations are and what to do in an emergency. These stations are where everyone gathers for safety instructions, and it’s important your child is familiar with the area. Attend the muster drill together so they know where to go and what to do in case of an emergency.

muster station

8. No Running in Public Spaces

Encourage your child to walk, not run, when moving through public areas on the ship. The deck and corridors can get crowded, and running could lead to accidents – whether they slip on a wet floor or bump into someone. Remind them to be mindful of their surroundings and take their time getting from one place to another.

The Good Behaviour Conversation

I know that every parent (well, most parents) believe that their child is extremely well behaved. But that doesn’t mean you should assume they will automatically be at their absolute best when on a cruise ship – especially if they’re getting some independence that they might not normally enjoy at home.

Child throwing clothes over a cruise balcony

So, regardless of how much of an angel your child may be when you’re around, still have the conversation with them about behaving properly when they’re alone on a ship.

There are a few specifics to remind them of – things like they should avoid running down cabin corridors (they’ll be louder than they realise), they shouldn’t mess with any door decorations or ‘Do Not Disturb’ signs, and they should be respectful when they’re close to adults-only spaces on the ship, and avoid being loud near them.

Still – encourage them to have fun! If you’re on a cruise ship with your kids then that means your kids have been welcomed onboard – not to pretend to be adults, but to be kids!

This means they’re allowed to laugh and joke with friends, splash around (safely), and just have fun.

Cruise teenagers

There’s a chance they’ll encounter some grumpy cruisers who are adamant kids should be seen and not heard, or that they shouldn’t even be on cruise ships at all (even when it’s clearly a family-friendly ship!)

Just remind your kids to keep volume levels respectable, and if they still get harassed by someone, they can report it to a crew member who can step in and help if you’re not around.

Leaving Your Child Onboard While You Visit Port

Some cruise lines don’t just let you leave your child in the kids’ club – they give you permission to leave them on the ship while you go ashore!

It’s not something that every cruise line will allow, and I know that a lot of parents might not be comfortable with it.

We left our kids onboard while we went ashore and got quite a lot of backlash because of it!

It’s fair to say that this caused a bit of a stir on Facebook, and a lot of people felt the need to tell me and Matt what they thought of our parenting approach…

I understand that parents have their worries but we were never at risk of missing the ship (we wouldn’t have put ourselves in that position), and we knew that the staff onboard were more than capable of keeping the kids safe. They weren’t allowed to leave the kids club.

If we had been hit by a bus when exploring ashore, then I’d rather the kids were in the kids club for that, to be honest!

I’m not saying every parent should cruise exactly like we do, and I get why some people get anxious.

But the option is there, if you feel comfortable with it. And we were, and it was a lovely day.

Final Word

Ultimately, the decision of when to let your kids roam a cruise ship alone is a deeply personal one, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

The cruise line guidelines give a decent starting point, but parents must consider their child’s maturity, the layout and safety measures of the ship, and their own comfort level. It’s about finding the right balance between giving your child independence and ensuring they are safe.

Most importantly, open communication with your child is key. Set clear expectations, teach them the safety guidelines, and be sure they know how to reach you if anything feels off.

It’s always a good idea to start small – such as letting them go to get an ice cream and bring it back, or leaving them playing football for 15 minutes – before you give 100% freedom in a new environment.

Whether you allow your child to explore the ship at 10, 12, or later, what matters most is ensuring they have the tools and knowledge to enjoy their freedom safely.

After all, a cruise is meant to be a fun, stress-free experience for both parents and kids alike!

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Cruise Mummy

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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What’s Hot, What’s Hype, And What’s Actually Fun

by Cruise Tips

If you’re in Canada and you’ve ever fallen into a three-hour black hole trying to find New Casino Slots online, you’re not alone. The internet is packed with promises of “brand-new gameplay mechanics” and “revolutionary bonus rounds,” only for you to land on a game that looks like it time-traveled straight out of 2006. But the good news? The Canadian market has finally started catching up, and new slot titles are actually getting, dare we say… interesting.

Whether you’re a reel junkie or just looking to play new slots online on your coffee break, this guide is your fast pass through the fluff. And yes, there’s even a platform like SlotShake’s new slots collection if you want the TL;DR version.

Why New Slots Are Taking Over the Canadian Scene

Casino Gambling Gaming - SlotsCasino Gambling Gaming - Slots
Casino Gambling Gaming – Slots

Let’s start with the obvious: old slots are predictable. You spin, you lose, you spin again, maybe win $1.25, then wonder where your evening went. But new slots? They’re bringing actual excitement back to the game.

We’re talking about features like:

  • Avalanche reels that blow up winning combinations.
  • Dynamic bonus rounds that feel like boss fights.
  • Slot storylines (yes, actual stories).
  • Buy-in bonuses and instant access to high-volatility modes.

Canada’s iGaming market is booming, and developers are now laser-focused on this audience. That means more localized content, CAD-friendly interfaces, and even slots with snowy themes and maple syrup Easter eggs (we’re half-kidding… mostly).

Old vs. New: The Feature Face-Off

To give you a better idea of how today’s new slots casino titles compare with older classics, here’s a quick breakdown.

Below is a side-by-side table comparing features found in traditional slots and the hottest new slot releases.

Feature Classic Slots New Slots (2024+)
Reels & Rows 3×3 or 5×3 6×6, grid-style, Megaways™
Bonus Games Free spins only Bonus wheels, mini-games, level-ups
Graphics & Sound Basic, static Animated, immersive, cinematic
Return to Player (RTP) 92%–95% 96%–98.5%
Mobile Optimization Meh Full responsive or app-native

As you can see, new slots online offer not just flashier visuals but better mechanics and winning potential.

Top Trends in New Slots Right Now

You don’t have to be a slot nerd (though we welcome them) to appreciate the trends taking over the market. Here’s what developers and casinos alike are pushing hard in 2024:

  • 🎰 Megaways™ Engines – More ways to win than you can count without a calculator.
  • 🔄 Respins + Sticky Wilds – Extra spins with extra cling.
  • 🏆 Feature Buys – Skip the grind and jump straight to the bonus.
  • 📱 Mobile-First Design – Optimized for thumbs, not clicks.
  • 🧩 Themed Storylines – Fantasy, sci-fi, mythology, and even branded TV slots.

These aren’t just gimmicks. They’re reshaping how players play new slots online by merging classic slot gameplay with video game mechanics.

How to Find the Best New Slots in Canada (Without Losing Your Mind)

With hundreds of titles dropping each month, finding quality new slots in the Canadian space can feel like scrolling through 200 Netflix shows and still watching The Office. So, how do you filter the winners from the digital dumpster fires?

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you find new slots without wasting your time (or money).

How to Spot a Good New Slot

  1. Check the RTP – If it’s under 96%, you’re probably better off elsewhere.
  2. See Who Made It – Names like NetEnt, Hacksaw, and Pragmatic are gold.
  3. Scan for Features – No bonus round? Move on.
  4. Look for Demo Mode – Try before you cry.
  5. Find Trusted Platforms – Like the new slots section on SlotShake. Just saying.

Follow these tips and you’ll cut through the noise and actually enjoy the experience of discovering new games.

Where to Play New Slots Online in Canada

So, where should you be spinning these digital masterpieces? Plenty of online casinos are trying to become the go-to for new slots casino offerings—but only a few really deliver.

Some platforms drop new releases weekly, others wait until a “content update” (aka whenever they remember). That’s why it pays to play somewhere that’s proactive about launching the latest games. Sites like SlotShake have dedicated new slot pages and often highlight games the day they drop, making it easier to play new slots online without doing a scavenger hunt across 15 different menus.

Must-Play New Slots in 2024 (So Far)

Below is a quick-hit list of standout new slots that have made waves in Canada this year. These games aren’t just pretty—they’re fun, creative, and full of bonus chaos.

  • 🧠 Mental (Nolimit City) – Creepy, high-volatility thriller with twisted bonus mechanics.
  • 🛡️ Power of Thor Megaways (Pragmatic) – Norse mythology meets hammer-smashing win potential.
  • 🔥 Toshi Video Club (Hacksaw Gaming) – Retro Japanese vibes with innovative cluster wins.
  • 🎉 Candy Blitz (Play’n GO) – Sugar-coated chaos with chain-reaction reels.
  • 🐺 Beast Mode (Relax Gaming) – Urban jungle theme with feature-packed gameplay.

If these titles don’t get your adrenaline going, you might need to check your pulse.

Final Thoughts: Are New Slots Worth the Hype?

In a word: yes. New slots online are fast becoming the heart of Canada’s digital casino scene, and for good reason. They look better, pay better, and frankly, play better than the stale three-reelers clogging up your grandma’s favorite casino app.

Whether you’re just dipping your toes into new slots casino waters or you’re a seasoned player looking for fresh thrills, the market in 2024 has never been more exciting—or more competitive. With platforms like SlotShake making it easier than ever to discover and play new slots online, there’s really no excuse for settling for boring spins.

FAQs: New Slots in Canada

What makes a slot “new”?

Typically, it’s a game released in the past 3–6 months with updated mechanics, fresh themes, and cutting-edge features.

Can I play new slots online for free?

Yes, many platforms offer demo versions so you can try before betting real money.

Are new slots better than older ones?

They usually offer higher RTPs, modern features, and are optimized for mobile and faster gameplay.

Where’s the best place to play new slots online in Canada?

Check out sites that update their slot library regularly, like SlotShake’s new slots section, for the latest releases.

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Row of hard-shell spinner suitcases standing together on a smooth floor

Level8 Luggage Review: Is It Good for Cruise Travel?

by Cruise NewsCruise TipsPacking

This Level8 luggage review comes down to a simple answer: Level8 is a good mid-priced hard-shell brand for most cruise passengers, with light cases, well-reviewed wheels and a strong warranty on paper. The main catches are carry-on dimensions that run slightly over common US airline limits and a warranty that excludes carrier damage.

To be clear about how this was put together: we have not tested these suitcases ourselves. Everything below comes from Level8’s own published specifications and warranty terms, cruise line luggage policies, and a reading of published reviews and customer ratings. Prices were checked in November 2026 and move often.

Level8 luggage review: the short verdict

Is Level8 luggage good? For the money, the published evidence is mostly positive. Editorial reviewers repeatedly praise the clean design, quiet 360-degree spinner wheels and the Makrolon polycarbonate used on most of the range. On Trustpilot, LEVEL8 Group Corp. held a 4.7 out of 5 score from 114 reviews when we checked, although that is a small sample, 14% of those reviews were one-star, and Trustpilot notes the company has not recently invited customers to review.

  • Best fit: cruisers who want a lightweight hard-shell case without paying luxury-brand prices.
  • Think twice: anyone flying on a strict airline with a carry-on, or anyone who relies on expansion zippers to bring home souvenirs.
  • Buy direct if you can: Level8 says warranty cover activates automatically on purchases from its own site.

Level8 models compared: weight, size and price

Level8 sells a wide range, and names change between collections. These are the models most relevant to cruise travel. Dimensions are as Level8 lists them, including wheels and handles.

Model Size (in) Weight Capacity List price
Luminous Textured 20" 14.5 x 9.2 x 21.5 7.7 lb 40 L $169.99
Road Runner 20" 14.5 x 9.6 x 21.7 9.3 to 9.5 lb 35 to 38 L $189.99
Voyageur 20" 15.1 x 9.8 x 21.3 8.1 lb 43 L $259.99
Gibraltar Aluminum 20" 15 x 8.4 x 22 10 lb 36 L $459.99
Voyageur 26" checked 16.6 x 13.3 x 27.3 11.8 lb 93 L $299.99
Voyageur 28" checked 16.6 x 13.3 x 29.1 12.4 lb 99 L $329.99
Voyageur 30" checked 16.7 x 13.3 x 32.1 13.9 lb 105 L $369.99

Level8’s own pages are not perfectly consistent. The Road Runner page gives two weights and two capacities, which is why it shows a range above. The site was also running a 20% Black Friday early-access promotion on selected styles in November 2026, so list prices may not be what you pay.

Hard-shell suitcase lying open on a bed with folded clothes ready for a trip
A hard-shell case opens flat, which suits packing in a small cabin. Photo: Erik Mclean on Pexels

Which Level8 suitcase suits which cruiser?

Level8 Voyageur: the all-rounder

The Voyageur is the line most reviews focus on. Its wide-handle design keeps the handle tubes outside the main packing area, which creates a flatter interior. Published reviews also note a downside: that wide handle can make it awkward to slide a backpack sleeve over it. The 26-inch case is a sensible size for one person on a seven-night sailing, while the 30-inch is heavy once full.

Level8 Road Runner: for travelers with a laptop

The front pocket takes a laptop and tablet, which is useful on embarkation day if you want your documents and devices close. It is heavier than the Voyageur carry-on despite holding less, so it only makes sense if you will actually use that pocket. One reviewer flagged that a USB charging feature mentioned in some marketing does not appear to be a built-in charger, so do not buy it for that reason.

Luminous Textured: the budget choice

This is the lightest and cheapest of the group, and it comes in more colors. Review opinion is more divided here, with at least one published review disliking the textured exterior and calling it flimsy. The checked sizes are good value if you mainly want volume, but Level8’s listed weights for them conflict, so weigh one yourself after delivery.

Gibraltar Aluminum: looks over practicality

The zipperless aluminum frame removes a common failure point, but at $459.99 it costs far more than the polycarbonate cases and holds less. Reviewers warn that aluminum scratches and dents, and it is not an obvious match for a cruise, where bags pass through several sets of hands.

Pros and cons from published reviews

Commonly praised Commonly criticized
Quiet, smooth 360-degree spinner wheels Strict return conditions and refund friction in some customer reviews
Makrolon polycarbonate shells on most models Slow delivery reported by some buyers
Built-in TSA-approved locks Support described as helpful by many and unresponsive by some
Clean, minimalist styling Popular lines such as the Voyageur are reported to be non-expandable
Lifetime warranty on luggage Limited colors on some models
Large cruise ship docked at a sunny port with the terminal in the foreground
Bags pass through porters and terminal handling on embarkation day. Photo: Carlo Jünemann on Pexels

Level8 luggage and cruise luggage limits

Cruise rules are looser than airline rules, but they are not identical across lines. Here is how the larger cases compare with published policies.

Cruise line Published guidance Level8 fit
Norwegian Two pieces per person, up to 50 lb each Any size fits, but watch the weight on 28 and 30-inch cases
MSC Two suitcases up to 35 x 30 x 17 in and 51 lb; two hand bags up to 22 x 18 x 10 in All models above fit on the listed dimensions
Carnival Suggests one bag on 3 to 5-day cruises and two on 6 days or longer; 50 lb; 16 in high by 24 in wide when lying flat Voyageur checked sizes fit the flat measurement
Royal Caribbean A "reasonable amount" of luggage, no numeric limit; carry-ons must pass the port x-ray Fine, and locks must be TSA-approved

Carnival’s figures are reported from its help pages, and the line has said it does not charge for overweight bags. Policies change, so confirm them in your booking documents before you pack.

The weight sums matter most. An empty 28-inch Voyageur uses 12.4 lb of a 50 lb allowance, leaving about 37 lb for contents, and 99 liters of formal wear and shoes can pass that easily. If you fly to the port, US airlines commonly apply a similar 50 lb limit in economy and a 62-inch combined size limit, and the 30-inch Voyageur adds up to 62.1 inches on its listed dimensions, so a 26-inch or 28-inch case is the safer buy. Families sharing a cabin should also think about total volume, and our baby and toddler cruise packing list is a useful check on how quickly that space goes.

The carry-on problem other reviews tend to skip

Most Level8 reviews call the 20-inch cases carry-on friendly. Compare the listed numbers with the 22 x 14 x 9 inch Delta limit, including wheels and handles, and all four 20-inch cases in our table exceed it in at least one direction. The Voyageur at 15.1 inches wide and 9.8 inches deep is the furthest over. Gate agents do not measure every bag, and many 20-inch suitcases are similar, but you should not assume it will pass on a strict carrier. On the ship itself this does not matter.

Under-bed storage

Checked Voyageur cases are 13.3 inches deep. Clearance under cabin beds varies by ship and cabin, so a thick hard-shell case may not slide underneath. Unlike a soft bag, it will not compress to fit. If your cabin is small, two mid-size cases can be easier to stow than one 30-inch.

Level8 luggage warranty: what it actually covers

The official Level8 warranty gives luggage lifetime cover for manufacturing defects and functional damage to the shell, wheels, handles and zippers. Bags and accessories get one year. Level8 chooses whether to repair or replace.

  • Not covered: misuse, neglect, accidents, abrasion, normal wear, extreme temperatures, and transport damage by airlines or other carriers.
  • Who qualifies: the first purchaser or gift recipient who registers the product online. Direct purchases activate automatically, while purchases elsewhere fall under that retailer’s terms.
  • How to claim: email Level8 for a warranty evaluation, and keep the product tag, which shows your warranty period.

The transport exclusion is the part cruisers should read twice. A wheel cracked by an airline or in port handling may well be treated as carrier damage, so photograph your cases before you travel and report any damage to the airline or cruise line straight away. Travel insurance is a sensible backstop.

Should you buy Level8 for your next cruise?

For most passengers, a 26-inch Voyageur paired with a Luminous Textured 20-inch is a reasonable, cost-aware setup. Buy direct to keep the warranty simple, read the return terms first, and check your airline’s carry-on limit if you are flying to the ship. If you are still choosing a sailing, see our cruise deals for 2027 before you decide how much luggage the trip calls for.

FAQs

Is Level8 luggage good quality?

On paper and in published reviews, generally yes. Most suitcases use Makrolon polycarbonate shells with quiet spinner wheels, and reviewers mostly praise build and rolling. Complaints focus on returns, delivery and occasional support problems more than on the cases themselves.

Does Level8 luggage have a lifetime warranty?

Level8 lists a lifetime warranty on luggage for functional damage to the shell, wheels, handles and zippers, and one year on bags and accessories. It excludes normal wear, accidents and damage caused by airlines or other carriers.

Where is Level8 luggage from?

Trustpilot lists LEVEL8 Group Corp. in El Monte, California. Level8 says its polycarbonate shells use German-made Makrolon material, but that describes the raw material and does not tell you where the finished case is assembled.

Are Level8 carry-ons airline approved?

Check the numbers first. The listed dimensions of the Voyageur, Road Runner, Luminous Textured and Gibraltar 20-inch cases each exceed the 22 x 14 x 9 inch limit used by Delta in at least one direction, so a strict gate check could be a problem.

Is Level8 luggage good for a cruise?

It suits most cruises well, since hard shells and quiet wheels work for port handling and long ship corridors. A 28-inch Voyageur weighs 12.4 lb empty, leaving about 37 lb of packing weight under the common 50 lb guideline.

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Cruising’s 7 Deadly Sins – Find Out If You’re A Sinner!

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsOther

Not all cruise passengers know how to behave when they’re sailing. Or some do, but they don’t care, and they will act however they want to.

Those people are awful, and you don’t want to be lumped in with them. Soon enough, you’ll be getting a reputation onboard and you might even be called out all over social media groups for your bad behaviour.

Sins of cruising

There are several common ‘sins’ of cruising – so here’s how you can avoid them and rise above to be a better shipmate.

1. Envy – Suite Jealousy and Status Sulking

It’s easy to look at the VIP guests with their private sun decks, fast-track embarkation and passes for the first tender boats and feel a bit green. But letting envy get the better of you can turn your holiday sour.

Royal Loft Suite guest

Trying to sneak into reserved lounges, moaning about how it’s “not fair,” or obsessively comparing cabin sizes won’t magically give you a balcony. It’ll just ruin your mood.

There will always be someone cruising with more perks – focus on what you get. Even the most basic cabin still comes with sunsets, sea breezes and someone bringing you dessert.

Honourable mentions

Sneaking into suite spaces you shouldn’t be in  – want to enjoy the private suite sundeck? Book a suite. Don’t be so greedy that you feel you’re entitled to it when you’ve only booked an Inside.

Mocking people with premium perks under the guise of humour – “must be nice to get turn up late and get the best seats in the theatre” isn’t as casual as you think.

Rolling your eyes at suite passengers – their cruise isn’t affecting yours unless you let it.

2. Greed – Lounger Hogging

There’s a special place in cruise hell for the chair hogs. You know the type – towels down at dawn, five loungers claimed for a family who won’t appear until noon, all guarded by a single paperback and a pair of sunglasses.

Several sun loungers on the deck of a cruise ship are covered with towels, indicating they have been reserved by passengers. The loungers are arranged in rows, with some towels draped and others neatly folded, set against the backdrop of multiple deck levels and glass railings.

Greed like this doesn’t just apply poolside. You’ll also find it in the theatre when people “reserve” whole rows with jumpers and bags, or even in the buffet where people will swipe bigger tables even if they’re just a couple, because they ‘need’ more space.

Cruising works best when everyone remembers they’re sharing. If you’re not actively using a space, don’t claim it. Simple.

And if you see someone looking lost and standing awkwardly while you’ve been saving the seat next to you for an hour? Invite them to sit down. It’s amazing what can happen when people stop treating every deck chair like a personal inheritance.

Honourable mentions

Grabbing the last pizza slice even if you aren’t that hungry  – there’ll always be more on the way, so why not let someone else take that one if you aren’t sure you’ll need it?

Refusing to share elevator space – nobody wants to be in a cramped elevator, but it’s better than forcing someone else to wait when you could clearly bunch up a bit. Don’t be greedy over floor space. Get cosy – it won’t be for long.

3. Gluttony – Buffet Overload

Cruise ships and food go hand in hand – but some people take it a step too far.

Mountains of bacon, three croissants, a mid-morning ice cream, lunch, two poolside pizzas, afternoon tea, a pre-dinner canapé or two… and suddenly, the main event – dinner – feels like a chore instead of a treat.

Vegan buffet food

Gluttony isn’t just about overindulgence. It’s about waste. Piling up a plate at the buffet only to leave most of it untouched is both inconsiderate and, frankly, unnecessary.

Food is always available on a cruise. There’s no need to hoard or over-order. A little restraint will leave you feeling better and enjoying your meals more – especially if you’ve splurged on a specialty restaurant.

Food waste is also one of the biggest issues on cruises when it comes to environmental concerns, so don’t be the person that contributes unfairly.

Honourable mentions

Over-snacking throughout the day – this is totally up to you, but turning up to dinner already stuffed will leave you disappointed and can cause issues with your travelling party – they don’t want you just to watch them eating while you’re sat nursing a full stomach.

Ordering room service you’re not actually going to eat – it’s not just wasteful, it’s disrespectful to the crew who have to prep and deliver it.

Taking three of every dessert “just to try” – not so much of an issue if you’re actually eating them all, but don’t abandon them.

Treating every food venue as a personal eating challenge – it’s a cruise, not an eating contest.

4. Pride – The Bragging Cruiser

Some passengers treat the ship like a floating leaderboard — who’s done the most cruises, scored the fanciest cabin, or got upgraded thanks to their loyalty points and “connections.”

They can’t help but tell you how much they paid (or didn’t), how their last ship was so much better, or how they’ve “been to this port loads of times already.”

Bragging cruise passenger

There’s nothing wrong with being proud of your travels, but rubbing it in other guests’ faces just makes you a bore.

Swap stories, share tips, but maybe don’t turn every conversation into a humblebrag monologue.

Honourable mentions

Flashing your loyalty card in every conversation – no one’s awarding medals at the pool bar.

Dropping “suite life” references every chance you get – people don’t need to know how many square feet your bathroom has.

Mocking someone’s inside cabin – if your joy requires belittling someone else’s setup, it’s not as impressive as you think.

Correcting newer cruisers like it’s a job – offering tips is nice, being a know-it-all isn’t.

5. Lust – Balcony Mischief and PDA Overkill

Romance at sea is lovely. Full-blown lust? Maybe keep it behind closed doors.

Balcony escapades may seem private, but the crew can see everything.

A smiling couple embracing in a swimming pool, looking at each other with joy. The woman has blonde hair and the man has dark hair, both appearing happy and relaxed in the water.

Public displays of affection that belong in a rom-com bedroom scene are more cringe than cute.

The same goes for flirtation that crosses the line — especially with crew members who, by the way, are working under strict codes of conduct.

You’re not starring in your own cruise romance drama. Keep things classy.

Honourable mentions

Late-night noise from neighbouring cabins – if your romantic evening can be heard three doors down, you might want to turn the volume down (and maybe the playlist up).

Over-the-top PDA in the hot tub – there are families around, and no one wants to sit in someone else’s make-out zone.

Unsolicited touching or innuendo on the dance floor – the ship’s rocking is no excuse for being handsy.

6. Sloth – Cabin Chaos and Hygiene Neglect

Cruising is the ultimate lazy holiday – no cooking, no cleaning, and nothing on your to-do list.

But some take that as permission to live like teenagers left alone for the weekend. Leaving your cabin looking like a laundry bomb went off, ignoring basic hygiene, or refusing to clear up after yourself in shared spaces affects the whole ship.

Dirty hands cruise passenger

And seriously – wash your hands. With real soap. Every time.

Honourable mentions

Dumping your plates and cups wherever you last sat – nobody wants to see your half-eaten burger left on a pool lounger.

Leaving wet towels and clothes everywhere in your cabin – your steward is not your personal laundry fairy.

Skipping handwashing at every opportunity – those sanitiser stations aren’t decorative.

7. Wrath – The Angry Guest

Everyone’s allowed a grumble now and then. But there’s a difference between giving polite feedback and full-on cruise rage.

Some passengers turn minor issues – like a missing towel animal or lukewarm soup – into front-page scandals.

Angry cruise passenger

Worse are those who yell at the crew over things they can’t control, like slow service or port changes.

Being unpleasant doesn’t get problems solved faster. It just ruins the atmosphere. The crew are human, and most genuinely want to help – so give them a chance to do just that.

Honourable mentions

Throwing a tantrum over dinner reservations – the maître d’ isn’t hiding the good tables out of spite.

Snapping at bar staff for delays – when half the ship ordered cocktails at the same time, maybe it’s not a personal vendetta.

Raising your voice at guest services – they’re not a punching bag for every small inconvenience.

Publicly shaming entertainment staff – didn’t love the magician? Fine. No need to roast him in the atrium like it’s open mic night.

Final Word

A cruise ship may be your temporary floating kingdom, but it’s also a shared space with hundreds, or thousands, of other people.

A bit of self-awareness and courtesy go a long way. Avoid these sins, and your shipmates will thank you – even if they don’t say it out loud.

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Cruise Mummy

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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Large ship in turquoise Caribbean water, illustrating Star of the Seas vs Utopia of the Seas

Star of the Seas vs Utopia of the Seas: Which Royal Caribbean Ship Is Best? (2026)

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsRoyal Caribbean

Star of the Seas vs Utopia of the Seas comes down to trip length more than ship quality. Star of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s newer, larger Icon-class ship, with the Category 6 waterpark, the AquaDome and the family-focused Surfside neighborhood, and it sails 7-night Caribbean cruises. Utopia of the Seas is the newest Oasis-class ship and specialises in 3- and 4-night Bahamas getaways. Both sail from Port Canaveral near Orlando. Pick Star for a full week with young kids or a group that wants everything. Pick Utopia for a cheaper, high-energy long weekend.

Below we compare the two ships side by side for late 2026 and 2027 sailings: size, neighborhoods, thrills, cabins, dining, itineraries and price. We finish with a clear verdict on who each ship suits. If you are choosing between Utopia and Star’s older sister, our Utopia of the Seas vs Icon of the Seas comparison covers that matchup.

Star of the Seas vs Utopia of the Seas at a glance

Figures come from Royal Caribbean and major cruise trade sources. Gross tonnage figures for Star differ slightly between sources, so we have rounded them.

Feature Star of the Seas Utopia of the Seas
Ship class Icon class (2nd ship) Oasis class (6th ship)
Debut August 2025 July 2024
Gross tonnage About 250,000 GT About 236,860 GT
Length About 1,196 ft About 1,188 ft
Guest decks 20 18
Staterooms 2,805 2,834
Guests (double occupancy) 5,610 (up to about 7,600 at full capacity) 5,668
Homeport Port Canaveral, Florida (year-round) Port Canaveral, Florida (year-round)
Typical cruise length 7 nights 3 and 4 nights
Main destinations Eastern and Western Caribbean, plus Perfect Day at CocoCay The Bahamas: Perfect Day at CocoCay, Nassau and Royal Beach Club Paradise Island
Waterpark Category 6: six waterslides Perfect Storm: three waterslides
Signature thrill Crown’s Edge ropes course and swing Ultimate Abyss dry slide (10 decks)
Family zone Surfside neighborhood Splashaway Bay and Adventure Ocean
Unique dining Lincoln Park Supper Club, AquaDome Market food hall Royal Railway – Utopia Station, The Spare Tire
Headline family suite Ultimate Family Townhouse (3 levels, sleeps 8) Ultimate Family Suite (sleeps 10)
Lead-in interior fare per night* From about $103 From about $69

*Lowest advertised per-person, per-night interior fares listed by Cruise Critic in October 2026. Prices change daily and exclude taxes, fees and gratuities.

Size and layout: how different do they feel?

On paper the two ships are close. Star is heavier and has two more guest decks. Utopia actually has slightly more cabins. Either way, you are sailing with more than 5,000 other guests.

The difference is the layout. Utopia uses the proven Oasis-class design. Its leafy Central Park and the open-air Boardwalk sit in the middle of the ship, flanked by cabins. The Royal Promenade runs below as an indoor main street. If you have sailed Oasis, Allure, Harmony, Symphony or Wonder, Utopia will feel instantly familiar.

Star of the Seas also has a Central Park and a Royal Promenade. However, it moves much of the outdoor fun into new neighborhoods at the top and back of the ship. The glass-topped AquaDome sits at the bow. Surfside is set aside for young families at the stern. Chill Island and Thrill Island spread the pool deck over several levels. Many people find Star easier to get around with small children, because the toddler areas, a casual eatery and family cabins are all grouped in one place.

Neighborhoods compared

  • Star of the Seas (8 neighborhoods): AquaDome, Central Park, Chill Island, Surfside, Thrill Island, The Hideaway (an adults-only area with a suspended infinity pool), Royal Promenade and the Suite Neighborhood.
  • Utopia of the Seas (8 neighborhoods): Boardwalk, Central Park, Royal Promenade, Pool and Sports Zone, Entertainment Place, Youth Zone, Vitality Spa and Fitness Center, and the Suite Neighborhood.

Waterparks and thrills: Category 6 vs Perfect Storm

This is where Star of the Seas pulls clearly ahead for families with kids and teens. Its Category 6 waterpark on Thrill Island has six slides. These include the Frightening Bolt drop slide, an open free-fall slide and family raft slides. Next to it you will find Crown’s Edge, a ropes course that ends with a swing out over the side of the ship. Thrill Island also has a FlowRider surf simulator, mini golf and a climbing wall. Chill Island adds Royal Bay, Royal Caribbean’s largest pool at sea, plus the Swim & Tonic swim-up bar.

Utopia’s thrills are no slouch, though. Its Perfect Storm trio of waterslides (Typhoon, Cyclone and Supercell) needs a minimum height of 48 inches. The Ultimate Abyss is a 259-foot dry slide that drops riders about ten decks to the Boardwalk. The ship also has a FlowRider, a zip line over the Boardwalk, a climbing wall, and the Splashaway Bay splash zone for little ones. Utopia simply has fewer water attractions in total.

Verdict: If waterslides are the main event for your kids, Star wins comfortably. If your group mostly wants a pool, a few rides and plenty of nightlife, Utopia offers more than enough for a weekend.

Colourful waterslides at a waterpark, similar to the slides on Star of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas
Both ships are built around families, but Star has a whole neighborhood for them. Photo: Denys Gromov on Pexels

Cabins and suites

Both ships offer interior, ocean view and balcony cabins, plus a wide range of suites. The most notable differences are these:

  • Infinite balconies (Star): Many Star cabins have an “infinite balcony.” The window wall drops down so the balcony becomes part of the room. These cabins are a little larger inside, but the outdoor space is part of the cabin rather than a separate deck.
  • Surfside family cabins (Star): Star has Surfside Family View Balconies, Surfside Family Interiors and Surfside Family Suites (about 269 sq ft, with a curtained kids’ alcove). They are a short walk from the splash pool and kids’ eatery.
  • Ultimate Family Townhouse (Star): This three-level, roughly 1,772 sq ft suite sleeps up to eight. It has its own slide, a games area and an outdoor hot tub.
  • Royal Loft Suite (both ships): Both ships have this two-level suite with a big wraparound balcony and a private whirlpool. It is about 1,482 sq ft on Star and about 1,524 sq ft on Utopia.
  • Ultimate Family Suite and Solarium Suite (Utopia): Utopia’s Ultimate Family Suite sleeps up to ten, with an in-suite slide. Utopia also has Solarium Suites in the bridge wing area, which are unique to this ship.
  • Boardwalk and Central Park balconies (Utopia): Utopia has many inward-facing balconies over the Boardwalk and Central Park. These are cheaper than ocean views, but Boardwalk rooms can be noisy at night.

Our tip: on a 3- or 4-night Utopia cruise you spend little time in your cabin, so an interior room or a neighborhood balcony is often the best value. On a full week aboard Star, the extra space of a balcony or a Surfside family room is easier to justify. If you are weighing that choice, see our guide to balcony vs inside cabins.

Dining and entertainment

Both ships carry Royal Caribbean’s core venues: the Main Dining Room, Windjammer buffet, Chops Grille, Izumi, Giovanni’s and Hooked Seafood. Utopia’s Giovanni’s spans two levels with a terrace over the Boardwalk.

Each ship also has its own signature extras:

  • Utopia of the Seas: Royal Railway – Utopia Station is a dinner-and-show experience set inside a “moving” train carriage. It is the only one of its kind in the fleet and carries an extra charge. Utopia also has The Spare Tire, a garage-themed casual spot, and Pesky Parrot, a tiki bar on the Royal Promenade. Entertainment includes the Aqua80Too AquaTheater show, the Youtopia ice show and the production show All In.
  • Star of the Seas: Lincoln Park Supper Club is a 1930s Chicago-inspired, multi-course dinner with live entertainment. Star does not have Icon’s Empire Supper Club. Star also has the AquaDome Market food hall (included), the Surfside Eatery for families, Basecamp on Thrill Island, and bars such as The Overlook and Swim & Tonic. The AquaTheater sits indoors under the AquaDome, so shows are less likely to be cancelled for wind or rain.

Cruise Critic lists Star with more bars and more included dining venues than Utopia. That suits a 7-night sailing, when you want variety. On Utopia’s shorter trips, most guests only manage a handful of meals onboard anyway.

White sand beach and turquoise water in the Bahamas, where Utopia and Star of the Seas call
Short Bahamas hops vs a full Caribbean week is the real choice. Photo: 10 Star on Pexels

Itineraries for 2026 and 2027

Both ships sail year-round from Port Canaveral, about an hour from Orlando. That makes it easy to add a theme park stay before or after either cruise. Their schedules are very different, though:

  • Utopia of the Seas: 3-night weekend cruises (usually Friday to Monday) and 4-night midweek cruises. These call at Perfect Day at CocoCay plus Nassau, where many sailings now include Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, Royal Caribbean’s all-inclusive beach club that opened in December 2025. A small number of holiday sailings run longer.
  • Star of the Seas: 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruises, for example St. Thomas, St. Maarten and CocoCay. It also runs 7-night Western Caribbean cruises, for example Roatan, Costa Maya and CocoCay. Royal Caribbean has confirmed Star at Port Canaveral through the 2027-28 season.

A trick most comparisons miss: because both ships share a homeport, you can book a 3-night and a 4-night Utopia cruise back to back for a full week. You would spend the week at CocoCay and Nassau, and it often costs less than a week on Star. The catch is that you visit the same islands twice. Star’s 7-night route gives you more variety, including sea days to enjoy the ship.

Star of the Seas vs Utopia of the Seas price

Utopia is almost always cheaper per night. In October 2026, Cruise Critic’s lead-in fares started around $69 per person, per night for an interior cabin on Utopia. The equivalent on Star started around $103. Balconies show a bigger gap: from about $83 a night on Utopia vs about $139 on Star.

Because Star only sells full weeks, the total trip cost is much higher. Expect a family of four on Star to pay several times more than the same family on a 3-night Utopia sailing, once taxes, gratuities and drinks packages are added. Short cruises do tend to have more onboard spending per day, since guests pack their drinking and specialty dining into fewer nights. Our guide to when to book cruise deals in 2027 explains how to time your booking for the best fare.

Which ship should you choose?

Choose Star of the Seas if:

  • You have children under about 10 and want Surfside’s toddler pool, family cabins and kids’ eatery in one place.
  • Your kids or teens want the biggest waterpark at sea.
  • You want a full week with several different Caribbean islands.
  • You want the newest hardware, such as infinite balconies, the AquaDome and The Hideaway adults-only pool.

Choose Utopia of the Seas if:

  • You can only take a long weekend or want a first cruise to test the waters.
  • You are celebrating with friends: a birthday, bachelorette or reunion. The short sailings attract a lively, party-leaning crowd.
  • Budget is the priority.
  • You love Oasis-class features such as the Boardwalk, Ultimate Abyss and the outdoor AquaTheater, or want to try Royal Railway.

Still deciding where these two sit in the fleet? Our Royal Caribbean ships ranked guide puts every ship in context. If you are open to a third Icon-class option, read our Legend of the Seas review. Legend debuted in Europe in summer 2026 and is moving to Fort Lauderdale for Caribbean sailings. For current sailings and fares, check Royal Caribbean’s official website.

Star’s newer sister ship shares a very similar layout, so our guide to Legend of the Seas cabins to avoid applies to many of the same locations.

Once you have picked your ship, check our guide to Star of the Seas cabins to avoid and the best rooms to book.

Before you book, check our breakdown of the cabins to avoid on Utopia of the Seas and the best-value alternatives.

FAQs

Is Star of the Seas bigger than Utopia of the Seas?

Yes. Star of the Seas is about 250,000 gross tons with 20 guest decks, compared with about 236,860 gross tons and 18 decks on Utopia. Utopia actually has slightly more staterooms (2,834 vs 2,805), so passenger numbers are similar.

What class is Utopia of the Seas?

Utopia of the Seas is the sixth Oasis-class ship, which debuted in July 2024. Star of the Seas is the second Icon-class ship, after Icon of the Seas.

Is Star of the Seas the best Royal Caribbean ship?

Star of the Seas is one of the most feature-packed ships in the fleet, especially for families, thanks to Surfside, Category 6 and the AquaDome. Whether it is best for you depends on budget and trip length. Utopia offers much cheaper short getaways.

Do Star of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas sail from the same port?

Yes. Both sail year-round from Port Canaveral in Florida, near Orlando. Utopia runs 3- and 4-night Bahamas cruises, and Star runs 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises.

Which is cheaper, Star of the Seas or Utopia of the Seas?

Utopia is cheaper both per night and in total, because its cruises are only 3 or 4 nights. In October 2026, interior lead-in fares started around $69 per night on Utopia vs around $103 per night on Star.

Untitled-design-3-16.jpg

8 Real Stories Of Spine-Chilling Ghost Encounters At Sea!

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsOther

Are cruise ship ghosts real? Or is it just the sound of the sea playing tricks on our minds?

Haunted cruise cabin

Cruise ships are meant to be a paradise at sea, but for some passengers, they’ve turned into something far more mysterious — and sometimes, downright creepy.

Picture this: you’re alone in your cabin, the waves gently rocking the ship, and suddenly… the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. Is it the sea breeze, or is something else going on?

Carnival cruise guests have been sharing their spooky stories with the Brand Ambassador for the cruise line, John Heald.

So, I’ve picked out some of the best – and done some extra digging across cruise forums – to see if that cabin you thought was designed for two guests actually has a spectral third sharing it with you!

1. Haunted rooms or just a series of strange coincidences?

Carnival Magic

This guest’s experience aboard the Carnival Magic on Deck 7 is a spooky one, no doubt. The story starts with lights flickering, phones ringing, and unexplained banging sounds.

But it’s the sense of a “presence” that adds a layer of discomfort – who wants to feel like they’re not alone, especially on vacation?

"Yes. On Carnival Magic on 7th floor.We had 2 cabins adjoining.The rooms were definitely haunted.Lights flashed. Room phones rang.Banging occurred.There was a presence in ours.We reported all the above things.Maintenance came.Couldn't figure anything out.We told guest services that we had a ghost.They didn't hesitate to move both our cabins to the 9th deck.Including sending a person with a cart to move our things.We spent one night in those rooms.Plus...on the morning we moved...I was getting dressed and was sitting on the bed...my hubs was on the couch..from behind me ....I heard a groan...I looked at my hubs and said "was that you?"...he said "nope...that noise came from right behind you" well...ok..which meant that we probably slept with a ghost....He didn't follow us to the new cabins on deck 9...Yes its all true. Not just a ghost story.But...I do think guest services knew about the ghost because they didn't even hesitate to move our cabins...on a supposedly sold out cruise...."

What makes this account even more intriguing is the response from the cruise staff. They didn’t flinch or try to explain away the oddities; instead, they swiftly moved the guests to a different deck. Could it be that they had dealt with similar reports before?

Could this have been a ghostly encounter, or are there other factors at play? The quick accommodation change hints at a bigger story, but the question remains – is it possible that the cruise line is more aware of these occurrences than they let on?

Maybe there’s more to the tale than what we’re hearing.

2. A ghostly makeover in the middle of the night?

Carnival Sunshine

This one definitely gives chills. Imagine being on your cruise, enjoying your time at sea, and then hearing strange noises from your bathroom in the middle of the night.

That’s exactly what happened to this guest’s friend aboard the Carnival Sunshine. She heard what sounded like makeup being moved around, but when she checked in the morning, everything was untouched.

"My friend and I went on a cruise, in fact, 8 cruises in 2024. She said she heard something in her bathroom during the middle of the night messing with her makeup. I told her she was dreaming and she said she was awake but didn't go in the bathroom until the morning. This was on the Sunshine 6th floor. She said she would never stay in the room again!"

It’s easy to brush off a late-night noise as a bad dream, but the fact that she knew what she heard and was so unsettled by it that she wouldn’t return to the same room is worth noting.

Could it be that something – or someone – was messing with her things while she slept? Or perhaps it’s just a strange coincidence, like a plumbing issue or a cabin settling noise.

Either way, it’s a reminder that not everything at sea is as relaxing as it seems.

3. A visit from beyond the grave?

Cloud 9 Suite on Carnival Vista, showcasing a large bed with green accents, matching sofa, elegant wall-mounted lights, and a window offering natural light and sea views, creating a serene and comfortable space for guests.

This story from the Carnival Magic is certainly one of the more intense encounters, especially when it involves a loved one who’s passed away.

"On the Magic my wife saw a recently departed person she knew sitting on the side of the bed. She first thought it was me. I was asleep next to her."

Imagine waking up in the middle of the night to see someone sitting on the edge of your bed – someone you know has already passed. It’s not only unsettling, but downright eerie.

What makes this story even more compelling is the initial confusion. The wife thought it was her husband sitting there, but he was sound asleep beside her.

The fact that she then realised the person she saw was someone she knew personally, and that this was someone who’d recently departed, adds an emotional layer to the whole encounter.

Was it a visitation from beyond, or could it have been a trick of the mind, perhaps influenced by the confusion of being at sea or the darkness of the night?

4. Matter-of-fact balcony cabin hauntings – no big deal?

Carnival balcony room

This one’s short, sweet, and strangely matter-of-fact. The guest casually mentions having a haunted balcony cabin, but it’s the way they drop that little nugget that makes it so intriguing.

Yes, we had a haunted balcony cabin and we reported it to the Steward. What an honor to have your last moments on a cruise ship.

“We reported it to the Steward” – and that’s it. No further details, no emotional breakdowns, just an almost dry admission that something spooky happened, and they let the crew know.

What’s tantalising here is the fact they don’t elaborate on what exactly was going on in that haunted cabin.

What did the steward say? Did they get moved, or was it just shrugged off? The lack of explanation only adds to the mystery, leaving us wondering if it was a truly chilling experience or just another strange, unspoken part of cruise life that gets swept under the rug.

5. Queen Mary: A ship with a haunted reputation

Queen Mary

The Queen Mary is known far and wide as one of the most haunted ships in the world, so it’s no surprise that this guest names it as the only ship they’ve experienced paranormal activity on. The history of the Queen Mary is as dramatic as its ghost stories.

"Only ship I've ever been on that is haunted is the Queen Mary."

Originally launched in 1936 as a luxury ocean liner, it later served as a troopship during World War II, where countless lives were affected. With such a rich and often turbulent past, it’s no wonder the Queen Mary has earned its spooky reputation.

Guests have reported sightings of apparitions, unexplained cold spots, eerie voices, and even the sound of footsteps echoing through empty halls.

The ship’s famous “Room B340” is particularly notorious, with many claiming to hear knocking, doors slamming, and even an ominous presence in the room. It’s no wonder that the Queen Mary is considered one of the most haunted ships, attracting paranormal enthusiasts from around the world.

She still offers ghost tours – she may have retired as a ship but guests can explore it as a museum from her base in California.

6. A ghostly light show and a toilet with a mind of its own

This story from the Carnival Triumph sounds like something straight out of a supernatural comedy! The strange light flickering and the unpredictable toilet are both eerie and oddly funny, making it feel like the ghost was just having a bit of fun with the guests.

"We just returned from the Triumph on Jan 14. We were in suite 9205. All day and night our lights would go on and off. We would be in the middle of the room and all of a sudden the lights would go on bright, then ten minutes later the room would be dark. In the middle of the night, the lights would go on. Then one night, the toilet wouldn't flush. My daughter and I both tried it. About three in the morning, the toilet flushed about 6 times by itself. We would laugh and say we had a ghost. We had a party in the room, about 22 people, and they all saw the lights and were laughing about it."

The lights randomly turning on and off, sometimes even in the middle of the night, is a classic sign of paranormal activity. But when the ghostly shenanigans escalate to the toilet flushing by itself at 3 a.m., things get taken to another level of bizarre.

The fact that both the guest and her daughter were aware of the strange happenings but chose to laugh it off, calling it a “ghost,” shows how comfortable they had become with the situation.

And then, when they had a party in the room, the lights flickering continued, with everyone joining in on the joke. It’s funny how a group of people can go from being startled to completely embracing the oddity, as if the ghost was part of the party too.

7. A haunting epic like no other

Queen Mary 2

This is an epic tale of the supernatural that could easily belong in a ghost story collection. The level of detail in this experience and the emotional rollercoaster involved make it one of the most memorable accounts of ghostly activity at sea.

"Yes it was big time!. I have never experienced ANYTHING like that before. My friend and I got on the QM2 2 wks ago. Everything seemed perfectly normal exept at night I regularly heard tapping noises. My friend even said to me "Stop tapping" - I wasn't but I'd been aware of them for some time. The tapping came and went and I payed no more attention to it. A few days later, while I was in the bar and she was getting ready for dinner, she experienced a severe choking fit and almost passed out. She got off in New York and here is where it gets spooky. I caught a 24hr stomach bug, so was laid up in 6065 reading and re-reading my book. After sometime, I became acutely aware that I was not alone in the room, I could hear breathing which wasn't mine (the hairs all over my body were standing on end). A little while later, I felt the bed move as if someone had got on it, I looked over, but there was no one there although I felt a physical presence. I was lying face down and I felt a leg lie across my calf muscles and I heard a distorted female voice saying "Its only me, its only me". I didn't really hear it as such, it was just in my head - similar to an outer body experience. Anybody interested? - shall I go on? It gets better..."

It all starts on the famous Queen Mary 2 (QM2), where the guest and their friend begin to notice strange tapping noises. At first, it’s easy to dismiss, but as the occurrences continue, the eerie feeling sets in.

A few days into the cruise, the friend suffers a choking fit, a near-death experience that seems oddly connected to the strange energy aboard the ship. After they disembark in New York, things take a darker turn for our narrator.

" 284April 1, 2005HampsteadAuthor#14 Posted October 28, 2005I understand and appreciate everyone's comments and 2 weeks ago I would have been just as sceptical. After I was visited in my room, I had two choices; leave or try and make contact. I had been aware of its presence and I took the view that running away would not help. I sat up on the bed and asked if he/she could hear me. The response was a lot of taps and scratches. I asked several questions and got the same noisy/tapping response. I then said "OK, we have to find a way of communicating, so I kept it as simple as possible. 1 Tap=yes 2taps=no. I asked a variety of questions over a period of 3 DAYS. I got to know this entity, I've seen all aspects of her personality, her humourous side, her normal side and her dark side. I asked lots of questions (with a yes/no response) some of which I got answers to some of which I didn't. I'm not prepared to write all this up in detail now, but I will do so later. I have spent 25 years in computer industry dealing with absolutes and because of this my mind has been closed. What I have experienced over the last week has turned everything I have taken to be "normal" on its head. There's no logic to this all, and frankly I don't care if any of you believe me or not. Everything I have described to you happened verbatim. "

What follows is the most haunting part of this saga: instead of running away, the guest decides to engage with the entity. Over three days, they communicate with the spirit through tapping responses.

What started as a few knocks soon became a full-blown exchange of yes/no answers. Over time, the spirit reveals itself as not just a spectral being, but with its own personality, humour, and even a dark side. It’s a remarkable turn of events, moving from fear to curiosity, and from scepticism to belief.

The fact that this guest had been a staunch sceptic – someone who worked in the logical, absolute world of computers for 25 years – makes the experience even more profound. Their openness to the supernatural, despite years of training to think in absolutes, adds a layer of authenticity to the story.

"I'm British, I have no interest in Halloween its an American thing which no-one here takes any interest in. Everything I have told you is true. You can choose to believe it or not, that's entirely your choice, I won't lose any sleep over it."

This story is truly unique because of how it evolves: from mere taps in the night to a full-fledged communication with the spirit. It’s a haunting experience that doesn’t just leave the guest shaken, but forever changed. Whether or not you believe in ghosts, this account is hard to ignore.

8. A shadow in the room

Allure of the Seas cabin

This encounter aboard the Allure of the Seas is one of those stories that sends shivers down your spine while still leaving you with a few questions.

The fact that three people in the same cabin all experienced something strange at the same time is significant.

"I recently returned from cruise #10 on Allure of the Seas and I got to experience something new on this cruise! We boarded on Sunday and everything was fine until Wednesday night when we were sleeping. There were 3 of us in the cabin with my friend sleeping on the bed beside me and my sister on the pull out bed. I woke up sensing someone was walking around the room and looked to see what I thought was my friend standing there watching me sleep. But why did she look like a man? I turned my head to see she was laying beside me so I thought I must be dreaming and turned to the other side and went back to sleep. The next morning, my sister and friend asked me if I sensed someone was in our room walking around between 4-5AM. I explained what I felt and saw and they told me they both thought someone was in our room as they felt a presence and heard someone walking. They did not see a silhouette of a man like I did though. I told our stateroom attendant and he told me he was not surprised. He told me that people die on the ship which I would assume but I don't know if other guests told him anything else about our room! I didn't want to ask any neighbours to freak anybody out."

The guest wakes up to what they think is their friend standing by the bed, only to realise that the figure looks like a man — an unsettling detail that immediately turns the whole situation from a simple dream into something much more eerie.

The most chilling part is the stateroom attendant’s reaction. Instead of dismissing the story, he nonchalantly confirms that “people die on the ship.” His lack of surprise raises more questions than it answers…

There’s always the funny side too…

Beyond the real stories of ghost encounters on cruises, there were plenty of light-hearted responses too.

Here are three of the best:

"Absolutely..every Carnival cruise I've been on, my room, has been haunted.You would leave the room and the towels would magically contort themselves into animals. It was crazy"

Your cabin stewards can feel like ghosts sometimes, in a good way – they may not always be visible, but they’ll be able to work wonders in your room without you noticing, and leave some fun surprises too!

It’s not a poltergeist creating these towel animal marvels – but a cabin steward who just knows how to make your cruise that little bit extra special.

"I have seen some pasty whit people but no actual ghosts."

I’m sure some people feel seen by this. A bit harsh maybe!

"No. But I have heard moaning coming from the cabin next door. "

You don’t need me to explain this one – a bit cheeky, and honestly most of the things that go bump in the night probably can be explained by your fellow passengers!

Final word

So, what’s the verdict? Are ghosts really haunting the high seas, or are these stories simply the result of our imaginations playing tricks on us in the middle of the night?

It’s tough to say. The common thread in so many of these tales is the sense that something unexplainable is happening – whether it’s flickering lights, strange sounds, or the feeling that you’re not alone.

Some of us might dismiss these experiences as coincidence, but for others, the thought of a ghostly presence can make a cruise feel like a whole new adventure.

Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there’s no denying that some of these stories add a little thrill to the cruise experience.

For the more curious (and perhaps the brave), the idea of encountering a ghost might actually make a cruise even more exciting. After all, there’s a whole world of paranormal mysteries waiting to be uncovered on board.

So, what about you? Would hearing these ghostly tales make you second-guess booking your next cruise, or would they tempt you to pack your bags and bring along a ghost-hunting kit instead?

Perhaps, like many before you, you’ll find that the ocean isn’t the only thing that’s a bit mysterious. Either way, you’ll have a story to tell when you get back home!

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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The Perks You Get As A Cunard Shareholder Every Time You Cruise!

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsCunardMoney saving tips

It is impossible to become a ‘Cunard shareholder’ – let’s get that out of the way immediately.

That’s because the cruise line is owned outright by the Carnival Corporation, the biggest cruise company in the world in terms of the size of the fleet and the passengers that sail with them every year. So you can own shares in Cunard but only as a shareholder of Carnival. You won’t find “Cunard” on the stock markets.

Cunard Fleet sailing on the ocean

But that means there’s good news – if you do decide to invest, then you can enjoy Carnival shareholder benefits on every cruise line within the group, which includes Cunard!

And those benefits might be enough to tempt you into buying shares…

Carnival Corporation Shareholder Benefits

As long as you have bought 100 shares of the Carnival Corporation or more, you’re entitled to claim the shareholder benefits on your next Cunard Line cruise. Those benefits are:

  • $250 or £150 of onboard credit per stateroom on cruises of 14 days or longer
  • $100 or £60 of onboard credit per stateroom on cruises of 7 to 13 days
  • $50 or £30 of onboard credit per stateroom on cruises of 6 days or fewer

It is only a benefit that applies per stateroom, so if both you and your partner decided to invest in the Carnival Corporation and you both had 100 shares separately, you couldn’t claim the benefit twice.

There are some other conditions that you need to be aware of as well. You can’t claim this benefit if you’re employed by the company, and it can’t be used in conjunction with any other shipboard offer for onboard credit.

Plus, there are a couple of things you can’t spend it on – namely, gratuities that have been added to your account or at the casino.

But the good news is that you can claim an onboard spend benefit on every single cruise you take – it’s not just the first cruise after you become a shareholder.

Also, the benefit applies to all cruise lines in the Carnival Corporation, although the value is different based on the currency on board.

Despite Cunard Line being a traditionally British cruise line, the onboard credit you get is given to you in US dollars on sailings from the US, as it also is with the following cruise lines:

  • Carnival
  • Holland America
  • Costa
  • Princess Cruises
  • Seabourn

You get the same sort of benefit on UK cruises with Cunard, and also with P&O Cruises and any British cruises with Princess Cruises, but the values are in GBP and are £150, £60 and £30, respectively.

Cruises booked in Australia on Carnival or Princess Cruises entitle you to the same number of Australian dollars as US dollars on American sailings. If you’re on a Costa or AIDA cruise in Europe that is using Euros as the onboard currency, the values are €200, €75 or €40.

Cruise Line 14+ Days 7-13 Days Up to 6 Days
US Cruise Lines $250 $100 $50
UK Cruise Line £150 £60 £30
Australian Cruise Lines $250 $100 $50
European Cruise Lines €200 €75 €40

Since I mentioned the benefits of buying Carnival shares in my weekly email, I’ve had lots of people email me to say that they’ve also bought shares and are happy to receive the free onboard credit. Like this one…

“We took your advice and bought 100 Carnival shares which cost £550. Two Cunard trips gave us £250 each extra onboard spend and another gave us $200 (£175) total £675, also the shares have gone up £175. Best investment I’ve ever made, thankyou, keep up the good work.”

Robert and Veronica Dennehy

Of course, the Cunard share price (well, the Carnival share price) can go down as well as up, so remember it’s always a risk you’re taking.

How To Buy Carnival Shares

To buy shares in any company, you’ll typically need to use a stockbroker. This can be either a human being or an online platform. There are various fees involved with this, but an online platform is usually the cheapest and easiest way.

I can’t advise you which is the best, but I personally chose to buy my Carnival shares through an investing platform called etoro. I chose this one because it is one of the most popular platforms with 20 million registered users and has great reviews and low fees.

I’ve been very happy with my share-buying experience and found it really easy to do.

(eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.)

Read more: Should You Invest In Carnival Corp?

Me on a cruise ship

How to Claim Carnival Shareholder Benefits on Cunard Cruises

To claim your shareholder benefits on a Cunard cruise that you’ve booked onto, you need to ask for them. They aren’t automatic! But the Cunard shares benefits are worth claiming each time – it’s free money on your cruise.

You need to make your claim at least four weeks before you are due to sail, but the sooner the better. And you’ll need to provide:

  • Your legal name
  • Your booking number
  • Your ship and sailing date
  • Proof of your stock ownership

You won’t be able to claim if you miss your deadline, so try to be organised to provide this information as early as possible. And you have to go through this process every time you book a cruise with Cunard or any other cruise line in the group – so don’t forget on each new sailing.

Important – Whereas Cunard used to let you claim the credit via fax and then later email, now it’s all handled via an app called Stockperks.

You’ll need to download the app to your smartphone, then verify the stock you own by taking a photo of the key details.

Here’s a video showing you how the Stockperks app works:

You can get all the details you need from the shareholder platform you use – so etoro for me.

To Conclude

Anytime you invest in stocks or shares, you’re risking your money. The global shutdown in 2020, and subsequent drop in the value of cruise line stocks across the board, was the perfect example. Your money is not guaranteed to be safe.

But if you’re looking for an investment opportunity and you love cruising, especially with Cunard Line, then maybe Carnival Corporation shares are right for you, especially with the benefits you get. It’s the best option if you are looking for Cunard stock.

I’m not a stockbroker, so I can’t tell you it is a good idea; you need to use your own judgement or hire a professional. But if you do buy 100 shares or more, your next Cunard Line cruise will come with some extra spends for you to enjoy on your sailing.

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If you found this interesting, please share!

Cruise Mummy

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me


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